# String Making

**URL:** <https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-making/302249>\
**Category:** General Yo-Yo\
**Created:** [May 12, 2019, 10:32pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-making/302249 "2019-05-12T22:32:41Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 19\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![SpyseaRice](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/spysearice/32/82121_2.png) [@SpyseaRice](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/SpyseaRice)\
**Post date:** [May 12, 2019, 10:32pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-making/302249/1 "2019-05-12T22:32:41Z")

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Heyo!  
About a year ago, I have string making a go, but I used the wrong thread so it wasn’t usable. Recently I’ve gotten back into it and here’s the first usable string I’ve made →

 ![SAM_1942](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/yoyoexpert1/original/4X/b/b/5/bb5875e9fe23419a783d75f31fb98d8f2e7046b4.jpeg) ![SAM_1940](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/yoyoexpert1/original/4X/c/4/b/c4b8e9d77e17c678983041dca2fa6c87ece5f400.jpeg)  
I don’t know what it’s made of, but it’s really soft. I know I messed up on the tension, but it’s only my 1st (ish) time.

The plan is to put a rig together and make a bunch of yoyo string with the yoyo club at my school. The school colors are navy blue and gold so we’re going to try and get a candycane version of that.

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**Author:** ![RyoCanCan](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/ryocancan/32/163437_2.png) [@RyoCanCan](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/RyoCanCan)\
**Post date:** [May 12, 2019, 10:43pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-making/302249/2 "2019-05-12T22:43:06Z")

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String making is fun. I usually do 100% poly because I have the stuff on hand and it’s cheap.

 ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/yoyoexpert1/original/4X/8/3/a/83a75d06e97bbe9943db5219262c502d13c94be5.jpeg) ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/yoyoexpert1/original/4X/e/d/9/ed918c63ce71ae46e2a96e51d1ecc617e3d46987.jpeg) ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/yoyoexpert1/original/4X/0/9/b/09b8180fcd37ce46a79115a62ae88b19a92cff86.jpeg) ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/yoyoexpert1/original/4X/1/a/f/1af4620a7b5fc44104ada44c7416e77f639db8b8.jpeg)  
These are some variations I’ve done. Nowadays if I do string, it’s mostly for pictures. I’ll try nylon at some point to see if I can make a really good string, right now the play is pretty average.

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**Author:** ![SpyseaRice](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/spysearice/32/82121_2.png) [@SpyseaRice](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/SpyseaRice)\
**Post date:** [May 12, 2019, 11:20pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-making/302249/3 "2019-05-12T23:20:09Z")

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Can’t deny that those strings look really nice. Do you have any tips for specific thread companies and techniques? What rig do you use? I plan on making one from pvc

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**Author:** ![TheThrowingGnome](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/thethrowinggnome/32/14231_2.png) [@TheThrowingGnome](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/TheThrowingGnome)\
**Post date:** [May 12, 2019, 11:26pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-making/302249/4 "2019-05-12T23:26:45Z")

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@smileypants707 & @MarkD

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**Author:** ![YoYoExpertGarrett](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/yoyoexpertgarrett/32/1543_2.png) [@YoYoExpertGarrett](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/YoYoExpertGarrett)\
**Post date:** [May 13, 2019, 12:53am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-making/302249/5 "2019-05-13T00:53:05Z")

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Any poly or nylon threads would work fine, test out whatever threads you have access to. And no need for a rig really when you’re testing stuff out. I just use a pull-up bar and a shelf at either end and i’ve made some pretty good strings. 😁

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**Author:** ![smileypants707](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/smileypants707/32/19045_2.png) [@smileypants707](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/smileypants707)\
**Post date:** [May 13, 2019, 2:02am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-making/302249/6 "2019-05-13T02:02:51Z")

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I like to use MaxiLock polyester and MaxiLock STRETCH nylon for strings. I usually have to order those offline.

If you can’t find those, sure lock polyester will work just fine, and bulky nylon (Guterman I believe). Most Jo-Ann Fabric stores carry that.

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**Author:** ![RyoCanCan](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/ryocancan/32/163437_2.png) [@RyoCanCan](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/RyoCanCan)\
**Post date:** [May 13, 2019, 7:56am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-making/302249/7 "2019-05-13T07:56:42Z")

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I have no dedicated rig. I use two clamps fastened to tables. I use pretty much any thread I have, but I’m open to suggestions on brands and whatever. I tension the string with a dremel, fold and rotate it with a clamp by hand. Overall my method is kinda slow, but I don’t make string in bulk anyways.

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**Author:** ![RyoCanCan](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/ryocancan/32/163437_2.png) [@RyoCanCan](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/RyoCanCan)\
**Post date:** [May 13, 2019, 8:24am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-making/302249/9 "2019-05-13T08:24:49Z")

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> [@The offical "How to make a yoyo string?" thread!](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/the-offical-how-to-make-a-yoyo-string-thread-yoyo-string-guide/3041):
>
> This thread is to teach you all the things that come into consideration when making yoyo string and using a yoyo string. The topics I will be going over are, “What is a yoyo string?”, “How do i make a string?” (obviously), how you can make different sizes of string, tools you will need to make a string, and materials you can use to make string out of. Also feel free to throw your bit in. So let’s get with it. What is a yoyo string? A yoyo string is a continuous piece of string made from multip…

There’s some good info.

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**Author:** ![MarkD](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/markd/32/40845_2.png) [@MarkD](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/MarkD)\
**Post date:** [May 13, 2019, 12:39pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-making/302249/10 "2019-05-13T12:39:08Z")

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> [@anon52123740](#):
>
> I want to make a lot of yoyo string quickly & efficiently, but I haven’t a clue how to make a rig. Does anyone have any good blueprints or designs for one?

[![Google Photos](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/yoyoexpert1/original/4X/3/2/3/32396af8e7c0f352939170ab6e0f6e37d0d968bc.jpeg "Yo-yo String Making: Mark") ](https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOEPq6BoFcG0AMcEyQ0yOrXBlvMNR2P1tnNyFPKVWMeioeBKZi1m8xh_4U0a8126w?key=WUJPMnBDQmpydEQ1ZUczaGxKOEtIaXF2MXJTamtR)

The whole thing is about 12 feet long. The hinge isn’t necessary unless you want to fold it up for storage. If you go to a Home Depot or similar store you can get a long 2x4 and have them cut it in half right there in the store.

The other hardware needed are some small eyelets and cup hooks - no coating on either.

You can make a spool holder out of some more wood + dowels, or in my case, PVC and long bolts. I think dowels would be better in the long run, though.

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**Author:** ![SpyseaRice](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/spysearice/32/82121_2.png) [@SpyseaRice](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/SpyseaRice)\
**Post date:** [May 13, 2019, 4:20pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-making/302249/11 "2019-05-13T16:20:16Z")

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> [@MarkD](#):
>
> The whole thing is about 12 feet long. The hinge isn’t necessary unless you want to fold it up for storage.

With pvc, couldn’t you just take it apart for storage?

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**Author:** ![MarkD](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/markd/32/40845_2.png) [@MarkD](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/MarkD)\
**Post date:** [May 13, 2019, 4:47pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-making/302249/12 "2019-05-13T16:47:20Z")

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Yeah, absolutely. That’s one reason why pvc is great for things like this!

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**Author:** ![French](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/french/32/70748_2.png) [@French](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/French)\
**Post date:** [May 13, 2019, 6:22pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-making/302249/13 "2019-05-13T18:22:14Z")

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I’m impressed with everyone who makes their own poly/nylon/any non-cotton string. I make almost all of the cotton string I use when playing fixed axle. I like it fine. I’ve done a couple of experiments with poly, the poly has been a bit heavy, hyper whippy. Not terrible, but, not anything I like playing nearly as much as just about any commercial string I’ve tried.

Your strings look pretty good, if you are enjoying the process, keep at it, keep experimenting. Keep in mind, when I did the math on material cost vs. string cost, for both cotton and poly, I found buying even boutique string was less expensive than making my own. That said, I keep making cotton because I like how my cotton string plays and feels in the hand.

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**Author:** ![SpyseaRice](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/spysearice/32/82121_2.png) [@SpyseaRice](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/SpyseaRice)\
**Post date:** [May 16, 2019, 12:44am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-making/302249/14 "2019-05-16T00:44:51Z")

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Managed to put together some “usable” string from this sketchy stuff I got about a year ago

 ![SAM_1948](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/yoyoexpert1/original/4X/2/b/8/2b8e87cfc0273a937abd98b988c5db06cf83f496.jpeg)

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**Author:** ![YoYoExpertGarrett](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/yoyoexpertgarrett/32/1543_2.png) [@YoYoExpertGarrett](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/YoYoExpertGarrett)\
**Post date:** [May 16, 2019, 4:39pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-making/302249/15 "2019-05-16T16:39:47Z")

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I would use caution with that one, Cotton will be more prone to breaking with a modern 1A yo-yo.

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**Author:** ![SpyseaRice](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/spysearice/32/82121_2.png) [@SpyseaRice](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/SpyseaRice)\
**Post date:** [May 16, 2019, 5:12pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-making/302249/16 "2019-05-16T17:12:05Z")

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I’m aware. It’s random thread I got for making strings while I was just an innocent and careless n00b.  
It’s so soft though. Like I could use a bunch of it to stuff a pillow 🛏  
:yo-yo:

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**Author:** ![codinghorror](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/codinghorror/32/8052_2.png) [@codinghorror](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/codinghorror)\
**Post date:** [May 17, 2019, 12:22am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-making/302249/17 "2019-05-17T00:22:20Z")

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> [@YoYoExpertGarrett](#):
>
> Cotton will be more prone to breaking ~~with a modern 1A yo-yo.~~

Fixed that for you, there :wink:

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**Author:** ![Jhammond93](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/jhammond93/32/53095_2.png) [@Jhammond93](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Jhammond93)\
**Post date:** [May 17, 2019, 3:42am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-making/302249/18 "2019-05-17T03:42:15Z")

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![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/yoyoexpert1/original/4X/6/2/5/6253497e0e9df429c0f1b562cf5a5d3527eb4b43.jpeg) ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/yoyoexpert1/original/4X/6/b/1/6b1aaa64290ad23829aa1c321f5701d46d839f19.jpeg)

I’ve been making strings for about 2 months. It’s mega addicting and super relaxing. I’ve probably made about 10 unusable strings, but I’m finally getting close to a good formula. I just use general purpose poly from Walmart and it’s great. I’ve made a couple nylons and nylon/poly blends, but haven’t used em yet. Just enjoy the poly so much, haven’t seen a reason to try it yet lol. A rig is definitely helpful. I was using a vise and a heavy camera tripod, but the Tripod kept falling when I would do my fold lol.

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**Author:** ![Breadroid](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/breadroid/32/52505_2.png) [@Breadroid](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Breadroid)\
**Post date:** [May 17, 2019, 3:53am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-making/302249/19 "2019-05-17T03:53:11Z")

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Just a heads up for anyone else wanting more info. Saw this farther down the category and this is quite helfpul for any aspiring string maker.

> [@String making introduction mega-thread. New to this craft? Start here!](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-making-introduction-mega-thread-new-to-this-craft-start-here/291099/1):
>
> This is a megathread with information and resources to get anyone started on this craft. I will list some resources, recipes and available materials at the bottom of this post. There are many different kinds of strings, many different types of thread, many different types of rigs, and many different types of recipes. I will share some basic recipes and rig setup ideas to get you started, and from there you can experiment as you please until you land on a recipe that suits your preferences. If y…

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**Author:** ![smileypants707](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/smileypants707/32/19045_2.png) [@smileypants707](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/smileypants707)\
**Post date:** [May 17, 2019, 4:11am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-making/302249/20 "2019-05-17T04:11:07Z")

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🕶
